The original Proton Saga is robust and utilitarian, serving as basic, dependable transport for many Malaysians. So, as a basis of a one-make race series, the first national car wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind, would it?

But racing with Sagas is exactly what Malaysians have done for years, with proven Mitsubishi platform and engines ensuring an abundance of affordable parts and modifications, making Saga racing one of the most accessible forms of motorsport in the country.

The Saga Cup category of the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) Racing Series at the Sepang International Circuit has been around since last year, and the third round of this year’s championship – which kicks off this Sunday, October 16 at 3pm – is a special Enduro round that sees 39 cars battling it out over 35 minutes.

The series is actually a revival of the Proton Saga Championship of the 1990s, which was a stepping stone for many of Malaysia’s racing legends, including a certain former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong – who has said that he is interested in participating in a guest drive in the renewed series in the future.

Sunday’s action will see other experienced world-class hands take to the track, such as top drifter (and Lotus Cars Malaysia head) Tengku Djan Ley, GT racer Farique Hairuman, World Time Attack runner-up Alif Hamdan and Formula Asia Champion Keifli Othman.

They will be joined by several Malaysian motorsports veterans, including three-time Merdeka Endurance champion Tommy Lee, champion of the original Saga Championship Roland Ooi and Malaysia Super Series champions Lai Wee Sing, Boy Wong, Faidzil Alang and Mark Darwin. Other racers include six-time Malaysian Rally champion YS Khong, last year’s Saga Cup champions Joshua Thiran and Adian Yein and even our very own Harvinder Singh, who will be partnering Roland Ooi in the race.

The Saga Cup is not the only form of racing that will be present on Sunday – there will also be Special Kei, Super 1,500 NA, Proton 1,800 NA, Street Tuned and Street Tuned 1,600, Super Street and Open, 1,600 and 1,800 Race Car races to watch, too. Paddock tickets for the race are priced at RM20 before 11 am on Sunday, and RM35 after. For more information, visit MSF Racing’s official website.

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

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